NFL: Philadelphia Eagles, QB Michael Vick agree to restructured deal

FILE - In this Nov. 11, 2012 file photo, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick throws a pass against the Dallas Cowboys in the first half of an NFL football game in Philadelphia. Vick, who was slated to earn $16 million next season, has agreed to a restructured deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. Vick, who was injured and inconsistent last season, eventually giving way to rookie Nick Foles, now has a three-year contract, and will compete with Foles to see who runs new coach Chip Kelly's offense this season. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)

PHILADELPHIA — Eagles head coach Chip Kelly has given Michael Vick another chance.

Vick agreed to terms Monday on what sources say amounts to a one-year contract to remain with the Eagles. Written as a three-year pact, the last two years void after March 15.

Vick is guaranteed at least $3 million. Per a report the one-year deal could be worth $10 million, including a roster bonus. It’s a hefty cut from the $15.5 million Vick was scheduled to earn this season.

Kelly said Vick would compete for the starting job with Nick Foles, who won one of six starts before being sidelined with a broken bone in his throwing hand last season. How long that competition lasts is as interesting as the coaching staff Kelly introduced Monday.

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“The one thing that attracted me to Michael after visiting with him is he’s a competitor,” Kelly said. “I don’t think Michael is afraid of anything. I think he wants competition. And I’ve seen Nick Foles up close and personal and I think Nick wants it, too.”

Eagles fans anticipated a fresh start at quarterback. Vick was considered part of the culture resulting in back-to-back non-winning seasons. Teammates also wondered about his future after the Eagles staggered out of last season with a 4-12 record, Vick calling some of them out for a lack of effort after a 42-7 rout at the hands of the New York Giants.

“If you had told me that Michael was coming back after the season I think I would have been a bit surprised,” center Jason Kelce said. “But with the way everything transpired with Chip and the things he’s done at Oregon, and the restructuring of (Vick’s) deal and everything it got less and less surprising as the offseason went along. Today I’m not really that surprised that they did that.”

Kelly is in a win-win situation. He hasn’t ruled out trading Vick or selecting a quarterback with the fourth pick in the upcoming draft.

If Vick doesn’t play well the Eagles can say Kelly’s options at the position were limited and he basically inherited the quarterback.

To understand Kelly, look no further than age. Vick turns 33 in June. The Dallas Cowboys’ Tony Romo hits that number in May. Eli Manning, of the Giants, turned 32 in January.

“When you look at (Vick’s) age and you really study quarterbacks I don’t think people realize this but he’s actually younger than Tony Romo and he’s right about the same age as Eli Manning,” Kelly said. “I think sometimes when you look at him because he’s been in the league for a while and because he came out early from college you look at his age and you say, ‘boy he’s aging.’ … They’re right around similar ages.”

Even Vick was unaware of that after meeting with Kelly following the contract signing Monday.

Vick also has a history of injuries, most recently a concussion. He’s thrown 24 interceptions in the past two seasons. Based on the contract restructuring, there wasn’t much interest in him.

“When I was evaluating the tape and when Pat Shurmur was evaluating the tape,” Kelly said of his offensive coordinator, “we were really looking at his skills set. I think he still has his skills set. I think he can still throw the football. I still think he has a quick release and obviously we know he can take off and run when necessary.”

Since 2010, Vick is the only NFL player with 8,000 or more passing yards (8,683) and 1,000 or more rushing yards (1,597). He’s also orchestrated sen game-winning drives in that time.

Vick, however, also has thrown 30 interceptions in that span.

“I think you can’t read into what happened last year as to what’s going to happen this year,” Eagles tight ends coach Ted Williams said. “I think if you do that you miss a lot because you presuppose it’s going to be the same when it really is not. So therefore I’m not really surprised. The past is not a total indicator of the future.”